The Art Critic

The debate surrounding the definition of "good" art is ongoing among creators, critics, and audiences alike. Some argue that art earns the label of "good" when it more closely emulates reality, precisely executing technical elements like composition, line, color, and shape. For others, the measure of excellence lies in an artist's ability to convey a message or provoke a response from the viewer. Notably, works such as Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian—a banana affixed to a wall with duct tape which sold for $120,000 at Art Basel Miami Beach—seem to connect "good" art with buzz and a high price tag.

Artwork is meant to narrate a story, simple or profound, serving as a conduit to explore consciousness and articulate new concepts. It acts as a social catalyst, enabling discourse and raising awareness for various causes while integrating ideals into our collective social consciousness. As Jerry Saltz aptly phrased it, “Art allows us to ask big questions, to think in languages beyond words. It makes us reckon with uncomfortable things, compels us to look for difference, to glean the pressures of necessity, and to notice monumental details. Art is bigger than mere subject matter. It is as big as life.”

Yet, while writers adhere to rigid structures of grammar and syntax, the art world seems to operate within a realm of fluidity and subjectivity. Amid the volume of artworks circulating the market, art critics assume a pivotal role in sifting through the multitudes to identify what warrants attention. They communicate historical context, artist background, and exhibition significance. As discerning evaluators, they assess artworks against criteria, albeit subjective, that they believe define artistic merit. Critics strive for objective, informed evaluations, and the ability to substantiate their judgments, leaving readers with something to think about. However, even critics can occasionally overlook groundbreaking art and can be caught staring at Van Gogh’s ear. Critics sometimes succumb to biased judgments, fearing to express negative opinions. Moreover, you certainly don't have to agree with their opinions.

With a receptive attitude towards diverse viewpoints, critics contemplate whether contemporary art genuinely stimulates contemplation. As the art landscape evolves amid the vast array of contemporary artworks, are we truly encountering profound expression or observing artists' perfunctory engagements with canvas and medium? Is the contemporary art world losing its inclination for critical thinking? This introspection prompts us to question whether contemporary art consistently triggers in-depth introspection or, at times, prioritizes aesthetic over substance. Herein lies the necessary role of the critic.

In today's art market, commercialism wields considerable influence, channeling millions into the top artists. Consequently, the art critic's influence in shaping reputations and altering collectors' perspectives has diminished. The current market trend, driven by exorbitant wealth and commercialism, often overshadows objective evaluations. Despite this shift, the art critic's role remains vital as a counterbalance to prevailing banality and artificial positivity that threaten the authenticity of the contemporary art domain. Criticism, in its purest form, should be an independently spirited process, untainted by institutional or corporate agendas. Straddling the position as both an insider and outsider, the art critic balances their critiques to maintain the integrity of their opinions. In the convoluted world of art, the concept of "good" art defies neat categorization. Art critics, in their multifaceted role, provide a guiding light amidst the chaos.